A couple, who are “mainstays of their village” escaped a fire that destroyed their home when a neighbour noticed the flames and knocked on their door to alert them.

Neighbours have offered help and accommodation after the couple, known to neighbours as Ann and Barry, were left homeless after the blaze on West Street at about 10.30pm last night (Tuesday, May 9).

It is thought they had been trying to sell the house to downsize for retirement when the fire, which started in the roof of the building, spread.

The flames took hold quickly and the house, a thatched, timber-framed cottage, appears to have been largely destroyed. Despite this, the couple, along with their two dogs and their flock of chickens, escaped injury.

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Neighbour, Nick Ginn, was on his way back from the pub when he noticed the fire and sprang to alert the occupants

The house fire in West Street, Great Gransden on May 9 has left the house 'structurally unstable', the fire service said (Image: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service)

“If the fire had been a little later, they would have been in bed and it could have been a very different outcome,” said Mr Ginn. “I went down the local pub, the Crown and Cushion, for a drink and left at about 10.20pm. I was walking back up the hill and I thought I could smell wood smoke.

“I looked up and noticed there was a fire on their roof. I just called 999. I banged on the door until they came. Barry looked half asleep. I said ‘Barry, your roof is on fire’. He didn’t even question it and the next thing they were putting the dogs in the car.”

Mr Ginn said they waited in the road until the emergency services arrived 10 minutes later.

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“The roof was flaming,” Mr Ginn said. “And smoke had started billowing out the other end.”

The couple was well known in the village, and neighbours were quick to offer support, both to the fire fighters and police at the scene, and to the couple.

Next-door neighbour Will Lamb said: “They have lived here quite a while, they are mainstays of the village. They are both fine, and their dogs and chickens are unaffected. It’s lucky the passer-by noticed the flames. It took hold quite quickly because of the thatch and wooden beams.

“I understand some people in the village have been trying to find them accommodation.”

The residents escaped when a passer-by raised the alarm

Villagers came to help with the emergency-service operation, with locals bringing tea, coffee, and even breakfasts for fire and police officers.

Neighbour Angie Whiddett was impressed with the quick response of the emergency services.

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“The fire service were here within minutes,” she said. “The firemen were fantastic.”

Mrs Whiddett’s husband Dan said: “Everyone’s just devastated. Watching their belongings going up in smoke was just awful. The house was actually on the market. They had their third viewing. At least everyone’s okay.”